Thursday night events include Thinkery21, 2nd Street Social

Thinkery21: Human. Austin’s children museum, the Thinkery, occasionally hosts fun adult nights centered on a science theme. This time around, the Thinkery is exploring what makes us human. What makes us blush? What makes us drunk? The night includes learning about what food counts as an aphrodisiac, testing out the connection between our emotions and our sense of smell and playing an intriguing card game about death. Chilantro BBQ will provide your dinner. 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 8. $12-$30. 1830 Simond Ave. shop.thinkeryaustin.org.

Theater & dance

Austin Shakespeare’s “The Seagull.” Austin Shakespeare is taking on a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s revolutionary play. Set in 19th century Russia, “The Seagull” is about a budding playwright and a young actress who confront their lifelong desires in a collision course with his famous mother and her even more well-known novelist lover. The Russian playwright’s romance will be performed by a solid group of actors, including Tyler Layton and Matt Radford Davies. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 25. $18-$35. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. 512-474-5664, thelongcenter.org.

2nd Street Social. The Second Street District is spreading the love this Valentine’s Day with the return of the monthly social. Sip on refreshing beverages while shopping in-store specials or enjoying small bites from the likes of ModCloth, La Condesa and more. In addition to offerings throughout the Second Street District, III Forks, the French-inspired steak and seafood restaurant, will have a $65 one-night-only prix fixe dinner in honor of Valentine’s next week. 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 8. Free. 2ndstreetdistrict.com.

Gardening calendar

Heart of Texas Orchid Society’s Spring Fling. Zilker Botanical Garden is hosting the society’s 47th annual orchid show and sale. In addition to vendors selling a variety of orchids, there will be raffle prizes and children’s activities to make this event fun for the whole family. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 11. Free with $1-$3 admission to the garden. 2220 Barton Springs Road. zilkergarden.org.

Austin Cave Festival. This all-day celebration of local caves will feature hands-on activities, cave explorations, science and adventure presentations, live music and more. Participants will get the chance to visit two caves — La Crosse Cave and Wildflower Cave — and see how water wends its way to the aquifer and Barton Springs and which animals call Austin’s caves home. Cave tour registrations are full, but walk-ups will be accepted, space permitting. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 10. $4-$10. 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org.